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Mary Shelley published the iconic, epistolary, proto-sci-fi novel Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus two hundred years ago. I read it some time after that. In between, the Monster inspired hundreds of works across several genres, the most famous of which is the 1931 Universal film adaptation starring Boris Karloff. The actor's makeup was designed by Jack Pierce, and it is this portrayal that has become synonymous with Halloween, horror, and Frankenstein's Monster merchandise.

Collector's Marketplace, Phoenix AZ

Partying with Ace at Square Egg HQ Halloween, Phoenix AZ

Zia Records, Tempe AZ

I can't say for sure when I became enamored of the Creature, or why he appeals so much to me. The first pieces of memorabilia that I grabbed were just this year, a ski mask and a belt buckle purchased from Shirts 'N Things in Mesa, Arizona. Soon after, the good folks at this store, my home away from home, helped adorn my battle vest with Frankenstein patches.

I have since spotted several Frankenstein toys out in the wild, but there are only three I have acquired so far.

Funko put out three-inch Horror Classics figures in mystery boxes, and series 2 included Frankenstein. I got lucky finding two boxes secondhand (when I opened up the other, it was David the Vampire from The Lost Boys).

The first time I saw a Funko Pop figure for Frankenstein was on my friend Nefertiti's desk. That edition has skyrocketed in value. This fall, the company put out a second version with the Monster holding a flower, and it was one of a few Walgreens exclusives for Halloween (I am still trying to find Jason Voorhees with a burlap sack for a mask from Friday the 13th Part II). I managed to purchase one on the secondhand market.

My most recent purchase was for my birthday in November, a gift to myself found on sale at Target. The Mego Corporation, a historic creator of fashion dolls and TV/movie tie-ins, went out of business in the 1980s. But this year, they are enjoying a revival with recreations of their 8-inch figures, including our Frank.

When I was young, I had the Remco nine-inch Phantom of the Opera - I wish I had kept it in better shape, and I wish I had Frankenstein along with it. This is on my wish list, along with the Remco Mini-Monsters version.

I love the ReAction series from Funko, too, and I have the figures from Back To The Future. There's many ReAction figures I want to get, and certainly Frankenstein is at the top of that list.

My polling place was a church that had some tables out with free items to take. I asked if that included the Wurlitzer, and Bill from the church said yes. After I cast my ballot, Bill and a parishioner helped me load the organ into the papa van. Bill also lent me a rope to tie it down. I made it home and Ace watched as me and his mama, with Lou on her back, carried the Wurlitzer from the van into the house. Best Election Day EVER.